Liverpool offloaded the majority of their fringe stars over the summer, though their shakeup could continue in January.
Liverpool splashed the cash over the summer as part of their rebuild, and there is no reason to believe that the shakeup will not continue in the January transfer window. The Reds have made an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, and further investment may be required if they are in a position to push for the title.
Jurgen Klopp conducted a major overhaul of his midfield ranks over the summer, bringing in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo. As a result, several veteran stars were allowed to depart – such as James Milner – with the exits of Fabinho and Jordan Henderson also facilitated.
Liverpool were expected to bolster their defensive ranks before the transfer window concluded too, and they could achieve that goal in the January transfer window. Further additions should not be ruled out either, though they could be acquired as replacements for those who have been allowed to leave the club. Express Sport takes a look at three stars that have three months to prove their worth to Klopp or risk being moved on…
Thiago Alcantara
Despite interest from Saudi Arabian outfits and Turkish sides, Liverpool opted to retain the services of Thiago. The Spaniard has not featured for the club so far this season due to injury problems, and he must stay fit if he is to have a future at Anfield. The ex-Bayern Munich star’s contract expires at the end of the season and the Reds could be tempted to try and earn a fee for his services in January if they opt not to hand him a new deal.
Liverpool were expected to bring in a left-sided defender over the summer, and with Matip in the final year of his contract, the writing is on the wall for the 32-year-old. With Joe Gomez penning a long-term deal at the club last year, the England international remains part of Klopp’s long-term plans and thus Matip must prove that he has something to offer if he is to avoid being offloaded in January for a minimal fee.
Teenage star Doak was not short of interest over the summer and a loan move looked likely, but the forward ultimately remained in Merseyside and is gaining valuable experience from working with the likes of Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez on a daily basis. Opportunities will be hard to come by for the 17-year-old and if he is unable to prove that he is ready then a short-term loan in January could be an option for Liverpool to ensure that their No. 50 gains the valuable experience that he needs to continue progressing.
Caoimhin Kelleher
Ireland international Kelleher attracted interest from Celtic and Wolves over the summer, among other sides, but it was eventually ruled that he would remain at his boyhood club. However, it remains to be seen for how much longer Klopp can persuade ‘the best number two goalkeeper in the world’ to continue working with him. Kelleher is likely to feature in cup competitions for the Reds and could push to start some league fixtures if he impresses on those occasions. If not, Liverpool may be left with no choice but to grant the wantaway 24-year-old his transfer wish.
